What to do and see in Williston, United States: The Best Places and Tips

March 29, 2018 Layne Dawes

Williston is a city in and the county seat of Williams County, North Dakota, United States. The 2010 census gave its population as 14,716, and the Census Bureau gave the 2015 estimated population as 26,977, making Williston the sixth largest city in North Dakota. The North Dakota oil boom is largely responsible for the sharp increase in population.
Restaurants in Williston

1. Fort Union Trading Post

15550 Highway 1804, Williston, ND 58801-8680 +1 701-572-9083
Excellent
55%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 110 reviews

Fort Union Trading Post

The Grandest Fort on the Upper Missouri River Between 1828 and 1867, Fort Union was the most important fur trade post on the Upper Missouri River. Here, the Assiniboine and six other Northern Plains Indian Tribes exchanged buffalo robes and smaller furs for goods from around the world, including cloth, guns, blankets, and beads. A bastion of peaceful coexistence, the post annually traded over 25,000 buffalo robes and $100,000 in merchandise.

Reviewed By J4714XBjamess - Joshua Tree, California

Fort Union Trading Post National Site North Dakota/ Montana
Located on the border of North Dakota and Montana, Union Trading Post a National Historic Site operated from 1828-1867 as the dominate post in the American fur trading system on the upper Missouri.

The ranger interpreter stationed in the Trade House was detailed bringing alive the day to day life at Fort Union. He emphasized that the trade between the fur traders and the Plains tribes was peaceful and equally valuable for both sides. Once again, the park rangers do an incredible job. Fort Union is well worth the drive.

2. Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center

15349 39th Ln NW, Williston, ND 58801-8677 +1 701-572-9034
Excellent
39%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
24%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 69 reviews

Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center

This center tells the story of the confluence of these two rivers.

Reviewed By J-W - Illinois

This Interprtive Center is small and modern with great information from the area. The section on how electrical energy was brought to the area was excellent. We also saw an interesting video on Fort Buford, where Sitting Bull surrendered. The other exhibit area has a variety of items from days gone by and is interesting as well. Be sure to stop and spend 45 to 60 minutes here and to meet the very friendly staff members. We did not walk down to the confluence since is was a cold, rainy, miserable day. However, we did drive down and took a look. And yes it was worth our time.

3. Grand Theater

Main Street, Oakes, ND +1 701-793-6349
Excellent
34%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
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Poor
33%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 3 reviews

Grand Theater

Reviewed By NDTraveler85 - North Dakota

Grand Theatre in Oakes has weekend movies and occasionally shows them on Monday night. Recently went to "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." The Grand has the new digital system with surround sound that was clear! Seems to be a nice local independent theatre with fresh popcorn and REAL butter! Theatre was clean with comfortable seats and there was no line. Just down the street is the Angry Beaver Lodge which was nice for a nightcap and review of the movie with friends.

4. Fort Buford State Historic Site

15349 39th Ln NW, Williston, ND 58801-8677 +1 701-572-9034
Excellent
50%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 51 reviews

Fort Buford State Historic Site

Reviewed By Barb W

The original fort was small and walled. The current fort closed in 1895 was much larger and not walled. A few buildings remain and the docent does a fair job of explaining the fort's evolution. The soldiers buried in the cemetery were moved to Little Big Horn once this fort was closed. Of interest this is the fort where Sitting Bull surrendered after 5 years in exile in Canada. This is also the site of the first Masonic Lodge in North Dakota. Buffalo soldiers were also stationed at Ft Buford, one of which was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Hwy 1804, Williston, ND 58802 +1 701-568-2600
Excellent
81%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
6%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Links of North Dakota

Reviewed By FizzGig007

Well groomed golf course and great little cabins with fantastic views. About 1/2 hour from Williston. Staff is very helpful and friendly.

6. Sitting Bull

1410 University Ave, Williston, ND 58801-4464
Excellent
34%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
33%
Poor
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4 based on 3 reviews

Sitting Bull

130 years ago, Sitting Bull, the most revered of all Lakota Indians, presented himself to American agents at Fort Buford on July 19, 1881. Fort Buford is located 25 miles southwest of Williston on State Highway 1804. A statue of Sitting Bull statue by renewed artist Michael Westergard was unveiled at the front entrance of Stevens Hall, Williston State College Saturday, July 16, 2011.

Reviewed By Raymond N

The life size bronze of sitting bull was done by acclaimed sculptor Michael Westegard. Sitting Bull, the famous Hunkpapa Sioux leader surrendered at Fort Buford, just 25 miles from the monument's site. Located on the front door of Williston State College, make sure you read the plaques which are affixed to each side of the monument.

7. Eagle Ridge Golf Club

6401 3rd Ave East, Williston, ND 58801 +1 701-572-6500
Excellent
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Good
75%
Satisfactory
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Poor
25%
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Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 4 reviews

Eagle Ridge Golf Club

Eagle Ridge Golf Club located in northeast Williston ND, offers a challenging 18 hole public golf course with rolling fairways, manicured bent greens and an island 7th hole green. The many risk and reward holes and the four sets of tees offer fun and excitement to a any golfer, regardless of their ability.

Reviewed By BrandinFoos - Williston, North Dakota

Eagle Ridge has made great improvements with new management. The ProShop is located in a new area, with a large selection of clubs and apparel. The Food in the restaurant is delicious and reasonably priced. The course has been well maintained and hosts some great tournaments. I only wish they had a Kart trail to the Meadows!

8. Painted Woods Sporting Range

5050 145th Ave NW, Williston, ND 58801-9009 +1 701-572-4867
Excellent
100%
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5 based on 1 reviews

Painted Woods Sporting Range

Painted Woods Sporting Range, we strive to be your one-stop-shop for wholesome outdoor shooting entertainment for the whole family. Our facility is one of a kind and located just a few minutes west of Williston, ND. Featuring a sporting clay course, 5-stand clay field, a variety of gun ranges, archery targets and much more – you’ll always find excitement on the horizon.

Reviewed By BrandinFoos - Williston, North Dakota

I wasn't aware of this great shooting range until shortly after it opened. They have continued to add throwers and simulated situations through the entire course. From the Rabbit, to the diving board, and the always fun blind, you will have every shot you can imagine "thrown" your way. The instructors are super friendly and always helpful. I'm not sure why this isn't one of the top two things to do here!

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